Chinatown Sydney is a busy urban enclave in Sydney’s southern CBD (taking in much of Haymarket and some of Darling Harbour) with endless opportunities to experience the rich flavours and culture of Asia. From sizzling street food to top-tier dining, we’ve rounded up eight of the best restaurants to visit.
Plenty of other cities around the world have a Chinatown to explore, but as there were almost 2,000 Chinese people living in Sydney by 1881, Chinatown Sydney is bound to impress, as today, it is home to more than 22,000 residents, and it has more than 3,000 businesses.
And it’s not just Chinese goods and eateries in these parts. You can indulge in the flavours of Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia and more, while enjoying the vibrancy of this colourful suburb which is a feast for all senses.
Pick your cuisine in Chinatown Sydney
Abb Air Thai
Abb Air Thai stands for authenticity, tradition, and family-style dining, bringing the vibrant flavours of Thailand straight to Sydney’s Chinatown.
This lively eatery specialises in expertly crafted street food, made by chefs with international experience who know how to balance bold spices and rich flavours.
Standout dishes such as the Khao Garlic Squid and Khao Pad Prik Gaeng showcase a fiery combination of stir-fried meat, red curry paste, and rice, transporting diners straight to the bustling night markets of Bangkok.
Mother Chu’s Vegetarian Restaurant
The beloved Mother Chu’s Vegetarian Restaurant attracts those craving authentic Taiwanese flavours with a plant-based twist.
This bustling hotspot hosts a mouthwatering selection of expertly handcrafted dumplings, crispy scallion pancakes, and hot noodle soups – all meatless and bursting with bold, aromatic flavours.
Gumshara Ramen
For those who believe a great ramen is all about the broth, Gumshara Ramen is a can’t-miss stop in Chinatown Sydney.
Tucked away in a modest food court, this eatery is famed for its intensely rich, gelatinous tonkotsu broth, made by simmering pork bones for hours until it reaches a thick, almost gravy-like consistency. A deeply satisfying, umami-packed bowl that coats your tastebuds with every slurp.
Chinese Noodle House
With its ceiling draped in plastic grapevines and a cosy, no-frills atmosphere, Chinese Noodle House is a Chinatown favourite that charms just as much as it satisfies.
This hidden (not the locals!) gem is renowned for its handmade noodles and juicy dumplings that are crafted with care and bursting with authentic Northern Chinese flavours. Stop by to slurp noodle soup or share a plate of perfectly pan-fried dumplings with your family or a group of friends.
Spicy Joint
For those craving a fiery culinary adventure in Chinatown Sydney, Spicy Joint delivers an unforgettable taste of Sichuan cuisine, where bold flavours and numbing spice take centre stage. Renowned for its mouth-tingling mala dishes, this diner is home to classics such as Chongqing-style spicy chicken, hot pot bursting with Sichuan peppercorns, and fragrant stir-fries that pack a punch.
Ho Jiak
Teeming with the energy of Penang’s street food scene to Sydney, Ho Jiak is a must-visit for lovers of Malaysian-Chinese fusion cuisine. The colourful décor and lively atmosphere adds to the immersive experience, making it the perfect spot to indulge in signature dishes such as char kway teow, nasi lemak, and Penang-style laksa.
The Eight Modern Chinese Restaurant
A go-to destination for yum cha lovers, The Eight Modern Chinese Restaurant seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with traditional Cantonese flavours.
This expansive venue, perfect for group dining, offers an impressive selection of freshly made dim sum, from delicate har gow prawn dumplings to crispy spring rolls.
Beyond yum cha, the menu boasts an array of classic Cantonese dishes, including succulent roast duck and live seafood specialties.
Xi An Cuisine
Bringing the bold, hearty flavours of China’s Shaanxi province to Chinatown Sydney, Xi An Cuisine is perfect for those craving authentic regional street food.
Famous for its rou jia mo, or the famous “Chinese burger,” this eatery serves up crispy, house-made flatbread stuffed with tender, slow-cooked meat which is a must-try for first-time visitors. Other specialties include hand-pulled biang biang noodles and spicy lamb skewers, offering a delicious glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Xi’an.
Loving these eateries in Chinatown Sydney? Check out one of our other stories here.
